Celebrating Excellence: Donna ISD Board Named Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year!

The Donna Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees has achieved a remarkable milestone by being honored as the Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). This prestigious award highlights the board’s commitment to fostering a positive educational environment and improving student success.

A Competitive Selection Process

The Donna ISD was selected from a pool of five finalists, each interviewed by a committee of Texas school administrators. The committee praised the board for:

• Building trust within the community
• Maximizing opportunities for enhanced student outcomes
• Demonstrating teamwork and integrity

This recognition marks the first time Donna ISD has received this award or even been a finalist, making it a historic achievement for the district.

Meet the Board Members

The dedicated members of the Donna ISD school board include:

• Fernando Castillo - President
• Jose Reyna - Vice President
• Ida Garcia - Secretary
• Eloy Avila - Board Member
• Jose Valdez - Board Member
• Maricela Valdez - Board Member
• Eva Castillo Watts - Board Member

Proud Leadership and Community Impact

Superintendent Angela Dominguez expressed immense pride in the board's leadership and teamwork, stating:

“It was a lot of work to go through that process, and being recognized at this level is just tremendous for our community. It says a lot about the integrity and focus of our board really being about doing what’s best for kids in Donna ISD.”

Additional Accolades

Earlier this year, the M. Rivas Primary Academy within Donna ISD also received the H-E-B Excellence in Education Early Childhood Award, reflecting the district’s commitment to quality education from Pre-K to second grade.

A Vision for the Future

Board member Jose Valdez emphasized that this award validates their efforts aimed at improving student outcomes. She remarked:

“We understand our role very well, and we also understand what is the role of the superintendent. I think because of that, it’s allowed us to make a huge difference in our scores, specifically in our early childhood education.”

Looking ahead, Superintendent Dominguez assured the community of ongoing consistency and transparency as they delve into bond projects aimed at further enhancing academic and social growth for students.

What do you think?

• Do you believe awards like this truly reflect the quality of education in a district?
• How important is community trust in the success of a school board?
• Should more emphasis be placed on early childhood education in public schools?
• What role do you think school boards should play in shaping educational policies?

As the Donna ISD Board continues to set a high standard for excellence in education, we invite you to share your thoughts and engage in the conversation!